A virtual landline gives your UK business a professional, local or national phone presence without the cost and complexity of a traditional physical line. Calls to your virtual number are forwarded to any device you choose, so you can answer from a smartphone, laptop, or desk handset. This flexibility becomes essential as the traditional landline network is switched off on 31 January 2027, making a virtual landline a future-proof tool for SMEs that ensures you never miss an opportunity.

Table of Contents

• Why are traditional landlines being switched off and what does it mean for you?
• What exactly is a virtual landline and how does it work?
• What are the main benefits of switching to a virtual landline?
• How much does a virtual landline cost for a UK business?
• Can I keep my existing business phone number?
• How do I choose the right virtual landline provider for my business?
• What happens to my calls if I don’t answer them?
• Are virtual landlines reliable and secure for business use?
• Key Takeaways
• References

Why are traditional landlines being switched off and what does it mean for you?

The UK’s traditional landline network, known as the PSTN, is being discontinued on 31 January 2027, according to SmallBusiness.co.uk. This means existing copper-wire phone lines will stop working, forcing businesses to move to internet-based calling, also known as VoIP.

A virtual landline is a type of VoIP, so adopting one now future-proofs your business communications ahead of the deadline. Rather than waiting until the last moment, many SMEs are reviewing their current phone setup and considering a virtual solution. The switch-off is the main driver for this change, but the cost savings and flexibility of virtual landlines make the move worthwhile even before the deadline arrives.

What exactly is a virtual landline and how does it work?

A virtual landline is a UK phone number with an 01, 02, or 03 prefix that is not tied to a physical phone line or socket, according to ONSIM. Calls to your virtual number are forwarded to any device you choose, such as a smartphone, laptop, or a compatible desk handset.

There are different ways to receive calls, including via a mobile app, network-level call divert, or a SIM or eSIM card. Second Ring explains that you can answer via an app, divert calls to your mobile, or use a compatible desk handset. You can often choose from hundreds of UK dial codes to get a local presence in any area, even if you do not have an office there. ONSIM offers more than 650 UK dial codes, giving businesses a wide range of local and national options.

What are the main benefits of switching to a virtual landline?

Cost savings are a major benefit. Virtual landlines are significantly cheaper than traditional business lines, with plans starting from as little as £2.50 per month, according to Second Ring. That compares favourably with a BT landline at around £30.50 per month plus broadband, as noted by the same provider.

Flexibility and mobility are equally important. You can answer business calls from anywhere, making a virtual landline ideal for mobile teams, sole traders, and remote workers. A professional image is another advantage. You can appear to have a local presence in multiple cities or a national presence with an 03 number, which boosts customer trust.

Scalability is straightforward. Adding lines or users is typically quick and easy, allowing your phone system to grow with your business. Business continuity is also improved. If your office is closed or you are out of the office, calls can be diverted to your mobile, so you never miss an enquiry, according to Virtual Landline.

How much does a virtual landline cost for a UK business?

Pricing varies by provider, but entry-level plans are very affordable. Second Ring offers a virtual landline service from £2.50 per month, which it claims is the cheapest virtual landline in the UK. Virtual Landline offers local numbers from £4.50 per month, while ONSIM charges from £5 per month plus VAT.

Costs increase with features, such as more forwarding minutes, freephone 0800 numbers, or multi-user office systems. Virtual Landline offers 0800 freephone numbers from £11.95 per month and multi-user office numbers from £6.95 per month. Some providers offer annual discounts, such as Virtual Landline’s 12-months-for-the-price-of-10 promotion when paying up front. Be aware of potential one-off charges, such as ONSIM’s separate fee for number porting or memorable numbers.

Can I keep my existing business phone number?

Yes, most reputable virtual landline providers allow you to port your existing fixed or virtual number. The porting process transfers your current number to the new provider, ensuring your customers and contacts do not see any change. Virtual Landline allows porting of existing fixed or virtual numbers, according to SmallBusiness.co.uk.

This process often involves a one-off fee, which is not always included in the monthly subscription price. ONSIM states that number porting is a separate one-off charge not included in the monthly subscription. Porting your number is a key step in migrating away from a traditional landline before the 2027 switch-off.

How do I choose the right virtual landline provider for my business?

Look for a provider that offers the specific type of number you need, whether that is a local area code, a national 03 number, or a freephone 0800 number. Virtual Landline offers a wide range of local area codes including Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London.

Consider how you want to answer calls: via an app, through call divert, or with a physical handset, and check which options each provider supports. Review the calling plans carefully. Some offer unlimited inbound calls, while others have fair usage policies or minute limits for divert and outbound calls. Second Ring includes unlimited inbound calls on its £2.50 per month plan, subject to fair usage.

Check for integrations with tools you already use, such as CRM platforms like HubSpot or Salesforce, to streamline your customer management. Virtual Landline integrates with HubSpot, Sage, Microsoft Dynamics, Salesforce, and Zoho. A full-service digital partner like Delivered Social can advise on how a virtual landline fits into your wider business communications and online presence, ensuring your phone system works alongside your websites and marketing strategy to capture and convert leads effectively.

What happens to my calls if I don’t answer them?

If you cannot answer a call, the virtual landline system will follow your pre-set routing rules. Calls can be diverted to a voicemail box, which can then be sent to you as an email or text message transcription. This ensures that you never miss a lead and that every caller is handled professionally, even when you are unavailable.

You can set up different divert rules for different times, such as sending calls to a colleague during lunch or to voicemail after hours. Second Ring supports call divert to mobile as a standard answering option. ONSIM forwards calls at network level in divert mode, which means the routing happens automatically without requiring an app to be open.

Are virtual landlines reliable and secure for business use?

Virtual landline services run on the internet, so their reliability depends on your broadband connection. Many providers operate at the network level rather than through an app, which can offer greater call stability. ONSIM states that its virtual landline runs at network level in both divert and SIM mode, not through an app.

Choose a provider with UK-based customer services to ensure you can get quick support if you experience any issues. Virtual Landline offers UK-based customer services. As with any business tool, it is important to use a reputable provider that takes data protection and call security seriously. A reliable broadband connection and a trusted provider are the two main factors that determine the quality and security of your virtual landline service.

Key Takeaways

• Traditional UK landlines will be discontinued on 31 January 2027, making virtual landlines a necessary upgrade for businesses.
• A virtual landline is a UK number with an 01, 02, or 03 prefix that forwards calls to any device without needing a physical phone line.
• Virtual landline services can cost as little as £2.50 per month, offering significant savings compared to traditional business lines.
• You can typically port your existing business number to a virtual landline provider, although a one-off fee may apply.
• Virtual landlines allow you to establish a local presence in multiple UK cities, even if you operate from a single location.
• Providers offer different ways to receive calls, including mobile apps, network-level divert, and SIM or eSIM cards.
• Virtual landlines are a form of VoIP, making them a future-proof choice as the UK completes its switch to digital phone services.

References

1. Virtual Phone Number UK — Virtual Landline
2. Top 5 virtual landline providers for small businesses — SmallBusiness.co.uk, updated 2026-07-21
3. Second Ring: Virtual Landline for Home & Business from £2.50 — Second Ring
4. Virtual Landline UK | £5/mo, No App, No VoIP — ONSIM